Ulta Lab Tests

All Cognitive Health Tests

Cognitive health covers how you think, remember, plan, and solve problems. A proactive plan starts with rule-out labsthat can explain memory or thinking changes, then adds brain-specific biomarkers when concern remains. Begin with thyroid (TSH), vitamin B12, metabolic and blood counts, and A1c to find common, fixable causes. If problems persist, clinicians may order Alzheimer’s blood biomarkers—the amyloid beta ratio (Aβ42/40) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)—often paired with neurofilament light (NfL) to gauge nerve-cell injury. Results guide next steps, which may include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers or imaging when higher certainty is needed.
Lab testing can clarify risk, prioritize follow-up, and set baselines for monitoring. Testing cannot diagnose on its own or replace a clinician exam, cognitive testing, or guideline imaging. Use lab results with clinical care for the best decisions.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Cognitive changes: short-term memory loss, repeating questions, word-finding trouble, getting lost.

  • Daily function: problems paying bills, managing medicines, shopping, cooking, or driving.

  • Mood/behavior: apathy, anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep changes.

  • Medical clues: low thyroid, low vitamin B12, uncontrolled diabetes, liver or kidney issues, medication side effects, alcohol use.

  • When to seek urgent care: stroke-like symptoms (face droop, arm weakness, slurred speech), severe confusion after head injury, or rapid decline.
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Triage and rule-out: identify reversible causes such as thyroid or B12 problems.

  • Risk stratification: show patterns that align with Alzheimer’s biology using blood biomarkers.

  • Monitoring: set baselines and track trends over time alongside cognitive assessments.

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose dementia by itself or replace a full clinical evaluation.

  • Serve as population screening for people without symptoms.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): checks for hypothyroidism that can mimic cognitive decline. Caveat: illness and some drugs affect levels.

  • Vitamin B12 (± methylmalonic acid): detects deficiency linked to memory and nerve changes. Caveat: borderline results may need confirmation.

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) & CBC: assess electrolytes, kidney/liver function, anemia, and infection. Caveat: abnormalities point to medical mimics, not a specific dementia.

  • Hemoglobin A1c: shows long-term glucose control; poor control can worsen cognition. Caveat: interpret with overall health.

  • Lipid Panel: supports vascular risk assessment, relevant to vascular cognitive impairment. Caveat: not a direct measure of cognition.

  • RPR (syphilis) and HIV (when indicated): identify infections that can affect thinking. Caveat: order based on risk and clinician judgment.

  • Aβ42/40 ratio (blood): lower ratios suggest amyloid changes seen in Alzheimer’s biology. Caveat: not diagnostic alone; methods vary.

  • Phosphorylated tau (p-tau181 or p-tau217, blood): aligns with tau pathology typical of Alzheimer’s. Caveat:interpret with amyloid measures and clinical context.

  • Neurofilament light (NfL, blood): marker of neuroaxonal injury across conditions. Caveat: not specific to Alzheimer’s.

  • CSF biomarkers (Aβ42/40, total tau, p-tau): higher-confidence confirmation when indicated. Caveat: requires lumbar puncture and specialist review.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Start smart: order a rule-out panel (TSH, B12, CMP, CBC, A1c, ± lipid panel) with a focused history and cognitive screen.

  2. Add brain biomarkers: if concern remains, use a blood biomarker panel (Aβ42/40 + p-tau ± NfL).

  3. Secure results: view results in your online account; most blood tests return within days.

  4. Follow up: review results with your clinician; consider confirmatory CSF biomarkers or imaging if needed.

  5. Monitor over time: repeat selected labs or biomarkers and cognitive checks to track trends.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Normal rule-out labs with ongoing symptoms may support moving to Alzheimer’s blood biomarkers.

  • Alzheimer’s-pattern biomarkers (low Aβ42/40 and elevated p-tau) increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s biology but do not equal a diagnosis.

  • Borderline or mixed patterns may lead to repeat testing, CSF biomarkers, or imaging.

  • Focus on trends, pre-analytical factors, and the whole clinical picture with a qualified professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational starting point: Rule-out panel (TSH, B12, CMP, CBC, A1c, ± lipid panel).

  • If concern persists: Choose an Alzheimer’s blood biomarker panel (Aβ42/40 + p-tau ± NfL) rather than single analytes.

  • Higher risk or unclear results: Discuss confirmatory CSF biomarkers with your clinician.

  • After a negative work-up but ongoing concern: Reassess sleep, mood, medicines, substance use, and consider repeat or alternative testing as directed.

FAQs

Is there one blood test that finds the cause of memory loss?
No. Start with rule-out labs; add brain biomarkers if concern remains.

Do I need brain imaging if my labs are abnormal?
Sometimes. Imaging is used when results are unclear, symptoms progress, or to look for other causes.

Are Alzheimer’s blood tests available?
Yes. Panels that include Aβ42/40 and p-tau can reflect Alzheimer’s biology but are not diagnostic by themselves.

Should I test even if my symptoms are mild?
A rule-out panel is reasonable. Your clinician will decide if and when to add brain biomarkers.

How often should I repeat tests?
Timing depends on your results and symptoms. Many people repeat selected labs to watch trends.

Can thyroid or B12 problems look like dementia?
Yes. That is why rule-out labs are the first step.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Cognitive & Memory Tests Hub

  • Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

  • Depression Screening

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Vitamin Deficiencies

  • Key Lab Tests: TSH • Vitamin B12 • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel • CBC • Hemoglobin A1c • Lipid Panel • RPR • HIV Panel • Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Panel (Aβ42/40, p-tau) • Neurofilament Light • CSF Biomarker Panel

References

  1. National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association. 2018 Research Framework: Toward a Biological Definition of Alzheimer’s Disease.

  2. Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

  3. Appropriate Use Recommendations for Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease. Consensus statements.

  4. American Academy of Neurology. Practice Guideline Update on Mild Cognitive Impairment—Evaluation and Management.

  5. National Institute on Aging. Assessing Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Primary Care—General Principles.

  6. Appropriate Use Criteria for Amyloid and Tau PET in Alzheimer’s Disease. Joint society recommendations.

  7. Consensus Guidance on CSF Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease—Analytical and Clinical Considerations.

  8. American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Vascular Cognitive Impairment and risk factor management statements.

Available Tests & Panels

Your cognitive health test menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with rule-out labs (TSH, B12, CMP, CBC, A1c, ± lipid panel), then add an Alzheimer’s blood biomarker panel (Aβ42/40 + p-tau ± NfL) if concern remains. 

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The T4 Free Test measures the level of free thyroxine (T4) in blood, the active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins. It helps diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter, as well as pituitary conditions affecting hormone regulation. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy, providing insight into metabolic and endocrine health.

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Also Known As: Free T4 Test, Free Thyroxine Test, FT4 Test, T4F Test, Unbound T4 Test
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The T4 Total Test measures total thyroxine (T4) in blood, a combination of both bound and unbound (free) T4, to assess thyroid function. Abnormal levels may indicate hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, or pituitary disorders. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heart rate and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy. The T4 Total Test provides key insight into metabolic, hormonal, and endocrine health.

Also Known As: Total T4 Test, Total Thyroxine Test, T4 Test, Bound and Unbound T4 Test
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The Testosterone Total Test measures total testosterone levels in blood to evaluate reproductive, sexual, and endocrine health. In men, it helps diagnose hypogonadism, infertility, erectile dysfunction, or low libido. In women, abnormal levels may indicate PCOS or hormonal imbalance. Doctors use this test to investigate fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes and to monitor testosterone therapy. It provides key insight into hormone balance and metabolic health.

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Also Known As: Total Testostone LCMS Test, Uncapped Testosterone Test
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The Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies Test measures TPO and TgAb antibodies that target thyroid enzymes and proteins essential for hormone production. High levels are linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Doctors order this test to evaluate fatigue, weight changes, neck swelling, or irregular heartbeat and to confirm thyroid autoimmunity. It provides vital insight into thyroid function and endocrine health.

Also Known As: Thyroid Antibodies Test, TPO and TgAb Test
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The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test measures TSH levels in blood to assess thyroid function and diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It evaluates how the thyroid controls metabolism, energy, weight, and heart rate. Doctors use the TSH test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or mood changes. Frequently included in routine health exams, it is also key for monitoring thyroid disease treatment and overall endocrine balance.

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Also Known As: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test, 3rd Generation TSH Test, Highly Sensitive TSH Test
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The Uric Acid Test measures uric acid levels in blood to assess kidney function and detect gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. High levels may also signal kidney disease, kidney stones, or metabolic disorders, while low levels can occur with liver disease. Doctors use this test to investigate joint pain, swelling, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for gout, kidney stones, or chemotherapy-related complications.

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Also Known As: Serum Urate Test
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The Urinalysis Complete Test evaluates urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic properties to assess kidney health, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It measures appearance, concentration, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and microscopic cells or crystals. Doctors use this test in routine exams, to diagnose urinary symptoms, and to monitor chronic kidney or metabolic disease.

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Also Known As: Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, Complete Urinalysis Test
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The Vitamin B12 and Folate Panel Test measures blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate to evaluate nutritional status, red blood cell production, and nervous system health. Deficiencies may cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, neuropathy, or cognitive decline, while elevated levels can indicate liver or kidney disease. Doctors use this panel to diagnose deficiency, monitor therapy, and assess absorption disorders such as pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.

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Also Known As: Cobalamin and Folic Acid Test, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 Test
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The Vitamin B12 Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and cognitive changes. This test helps identify dietary deficiencies, absorption problems, or related health conditions, supporting diagnosis and ongoing management of overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
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Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test
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The Vitamin B12 Test measures cobalamin levels in blood to evaluate nutritional health, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. Low B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, memory problems, and nerve damage, while high levels may indicate liver or kidney disease. Doctors use this test to detect B12 deficiency, monitor treatment, and assess malabsorption conditions like pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.

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Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test
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The VLDL Cholesterol Test measures very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which carries triglycerides in the blood. High VLDL levels are linked to heart disease, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. Doctors order this test as part of a lipid panel to assess cardiovascular risk, monitor treatment, or evaluate high triglycerides. Results provide critical insight into lipid metabolism, helping guide lifestyle changes, therapy, and long-term heart health management.

Also Known As: VLDL Test, VLDL-C Test, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Test
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The Zinc Micronutrient Test measures blood zinc levels to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Zinc is vital for immune function, wound healing, growth, reproduction, and enzyme activity. This test helps identify poor intake, malabsorption, or excessive supplementation, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health, immune balance, and metabolic function.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
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Also Known As: Zinc Plasma Test
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The Zinc Test measures zinc levels in blood to evaluate nutritional status and overall health. Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, growth, taste, and reproductive health. Abnormal levels may cause fatigue, hair loss, delayed healing, or increased infection risk. Doctors use this test to detect zinc deficiency or excess, monitor supplementation, and guide treatment for conditions linked to immune, metabolic, or endocrine imbalance.

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Also Known As:  Zinc Plasma Test, Zn Test
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What Is a Decline in Cognitive Health and How is this Diagnosed?

Are you aware that 1 in 9 adults in America suffers from cognitive impairment? This condition is associated with thinking delays, memory problems, and more. Regrettably, a significant impairment in cognitive health can start to negatively affect your normal way of life.

The key to preventing total cognitive impairment is by catching it at its roots. The earlier you do so, the better your prognosis.

For the condition to be caught in the early stages, you need to get cognitive health lab tests. The results from cognitive blood tests will provide pertinent information on whether or not you’re suffering from significant cognitive failure.

To get more information regarding cognitive health, failure, and cognitive health testing, continue reading.

What Is a Decline in Cognitive Health?

Deterioration in cognitive health is the middle-ground between typical age-related brain function decline and dementia-associated changes. It expresses minor but noticeable alterations in the manner the brain processes and presents information.

You might have overheard healthcare practitioners refer to it as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Deterioration in cognitive health may impact your:

  • Judgment skills
  • Memory
  • Language
  • Thinking 

You and the people around you may begin noting your cognitive ability slipping. Over time, these slip-ups will naturally get worse.

More often than not, persons and their family members may begin seeing these changes before adversely affecting their quality of life. But there are some instances when cognitive regression progresses for a while before it is noticed.

Ensure that you regularly keep a keen eye on your friends and family members. Don’t write off changes in cognitive behavior with aging. Some symptoms associated with cognitive decline could be very severe.

Risk Factors for a Decline in Cognitive Health

The most distinct risk factor associated with cognitive failure is age. With aging, you are sure to experience the effects that come with aging on cognitive ability.

Keeping this in mind, never write off any change when it comes to cognitive health as an indication of aging. Always consult with your medical professional and disclose any visible signs you have exhibited.

Another potential risk factor of cognitive decline is the presence of the APOE e4 gene. 

This particular gene is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, though not every individual possessing the gene has contracted developed Alzheimer’s.

In addition to the risk factors mentioned above, there are some lifestyle choices associated with cognitive decline:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Obesity
  • Hypercholesteremia (high cholesterol)
  • Lack of mentally stimulating activities
  • Lack of adequate exercise
  • Depression

If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, consult with your healthcare practitioner regarding exercises and activities best suited for you to perform. These can trigger neurons and augment brain functioning, even if some cognitive regressions have occurred.

Causes of Cognitive Health Decline

There’s no one cause for cognitive health deterioration. There’s also no one outcome for the condition.

Sadly, cognitive functioning is judged on a case-by-case basis. This means that your deterioration in cognitive ability won’t be similar to another individual’s experience with cognitive decline.

Those experiencing cognitive deterioration might exhibit stable, progressive symptoms that could culminate in Alzheimer’s or other associated conditions or improving symptoms. Sadly enough, the individual experiencing cognitive regression doesn’t have any say as to which sort of condition they develop.

Every type of mild cognitive impairment has its own underlying causes(s). Autopsies done on patients with cognitive decline have shown a range of structural and functional alterations within the brain. These include the existence of Lewy bodies, clusters of proteins within the brain, a shrunken hippocampus, reduced usage of glucose, indications of small strokes, and enlarged ventricles.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Decline in Cognitive Health?

Considering how the brain affects everything that happens in the body, those experiencing cognitive regression are likely to note a range of signs and symptoms. Still, the most prevalent ones include complications with language, judgment, and thinking, and memory.

If you become aware that somebody close to you is exhibiting some of the mentioned symptoms, encourage them to consult with their medical practitioner.

How Is Cognitive Health Decline Diagnosed?

The most commonly used method of making a cognitive health decline diagnosis is via cognitive health lab tests. These urine and blood tests can assist your physician in knowing what’s happening in your body that could be altering your mental functioning.

On top of cognitive health lab tests, your physician may order brain scans such as an MRI or CT to eliminate the possibility of a tumor or other changes in the brain.

The Lab Tests Used to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Cognitive Health Decline.

There are a number of tests that healthcare providers can use to see whether or not you have cognitive health decline. Listed below are the most common.

  • ADmark ApoE Genotype Analysis
  • Aluminum
  • Bilirubin, Fractionated
  • C-Peptide
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  • C-Reactive Protein Cardiac (hs-CRP)
  • Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype
  • Cardio IQ™ Apolipoprotein A-1
  • Cardio IQ™ Apolipoprotein B
  • Ceruloplasmin
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Copper
  • Cortisol, A.M.
  • Cortisol, P.M.
  • Creatine Kinase (CK), Total
  • Dementia, Secondary Causes Panel
  • DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay
  • Drug Screen, Clinical 1 without Confirmation, Serum
  • Estradiol
  • F2-Isoprostane/Creatinine Ratio
  • Ferritin
  • Fibrinogen Activity, Clauss
  • FSH and LH
  • Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
  • Gastrin
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)
  • Homocysteine
  • IGF-I, LC/MS
  • Insulin
  • Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) (LDH)
  • Lead, Blood
  • Leptin
  • Lipase
  • Lipid Panel
  • Lipoprotein (A)
  • Magnesium
  • Magnesium, RBC
  • Mercury, Blood
  • Phosphate (as Phosphorus)
  • Pregnenolone, LC/MS/MS
  • Progesterone, Immunoassay
  • Prolactin
  • PTH, Intact (without Calcium)
  • Sed Rate by Modified Westergren (ESR)
  • Selenium
  • Serotonin, Serum
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
  • T3 Reverse, LC/MS/MS
  • T3 Total
  • T3 Uptake
  • T3, Free
  • T4 (Thyroxine), Total
  • T4, Free
  • Testosterone, Total, MS
  • The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Cognitive Health Decline
  • Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies
  • TSH
  • Uric Acid
  • Urinalysis, Complete
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate Panel, Serum
  • Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (D2, D3), LC/MS/MS
  • VLDL Cholesterol
  • Zinc

Get Your Lab Tests for Cognitive Health With Ulta Lab Tests.

Ulta Lab Tests provides extremely accurate and dependable tests, so you can make an informed decision regarding your health. Here are reasons why you should get your cognitive health lab tests with Ulta Lab Tests: 

  • No health insurance is needed
  • The results you get are confidential and secure
  • You’re assured of competitive pricing
  • You don’t have to be referred by a physician to get tested
  • We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction
  • You’ll get your results within 24 to 48 hours for most tests

When you order your lab tests directly from Ulta Lab Tests. Order your cognitive health lab tests now! 

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!